Princess Kate proved she’s a master of timing when it comes to dressing for solemn royal occasions.
On 9th November, the Princess of Wales joined King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and other royals at The Cenotaph in London for the National Service of Remembrance, standing alongside politicians and around 10,000 members of the public to honour those who gave their lives in the World Wars.
Always thoughtful with her fashion, Kate chose a sleek black coat dress, elevating the look with a small but poignant detail, an RAF badge brooch.
The subtle accessory carried personal meaning, quietly nodding to her late grandfather, Peter Francis Middleton, who served as an RAF pilot during WWII.
The tribute was all the more touching considering he passed away in 2010, shortly before Kate and William’s engagement was made public, after a long period of illness.
Jewellery expert Trang Do, who has studied Kate’s style closely for eight years, explains why the RAF-inspired pin carries such weight.
“Pieces tied to military iconography are typically designed with crisp, architectural lines to reflect precision and honour, and this brooch is no exception,” she notes.
The polished metal wings, rendered in elegant silhouette rather than sparkling gemstones, catch the light while keeping a dignified simplicity.
“It’s a miniature sculpture rooted in heritage, where symbolism triumphs over ornament,” Do adds.
The brooch is more than a nod to her late grandfather, RAF pilot Peter Middleton, it’s a cherished piece she has worn on multiple occasions.
Most recently, she paired it with a Bella Freud suit during a visit to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire as Royal Honorary Air Commodore, getting a closer look at the station’s operational role.
